Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Løytnant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

S Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Lt. Trygve RYPDAL was the leader of the original resistance movement in AARESUND and laid the foundations for the highly successful secret resistance organisation of 1941-1946.
His first work was the export of refugees across the North Sa from AALESUND to SHETLAND. Many of these subsequently joined the Army, Navy and Air Force in the common war effort.
At the end of 1941, Lt. RYPDAL was forced to flee to England where, after receiving training at special training schools, he worked in one of the Norwegian Government offices and was always ready to advise and help in the many difficult problems connected with the organisation of resistance in AALESUND. Without his untiring energy and good advice, this Resistance Group could never have reached the high standard of efficiency which was achieved and which enabled the organisation to take over all vulnerable points and military guard duties at the moment of surrender. The task of the Allied Force Commander was thus considerable lightened as it was not necessary to send to this area any small force of Allied troops available.
It is recommended that Lt. Trygve RYPDAL be awarded a Certificate of Commendation."
Signed by Colin Gubbins, Major General, 5 Jan 1946.